Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty Visits & Thanks Employees Of Cardsmart� & Paramount Cards For Supporting "Operation Support Our Troops- Ri" To Help Rhode Island Soldiers Based In Combat Zones

Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty visited Cardsmart and Paramount Cards to thank the companies and all employees for their support of his statewide program, "Operation Support Our Troops - RI," through which people across the state contribute products needed by Rhode Island military members serving in Persian Gulf combat zones. Paramount Cards is the parent company of independently operated Cardsmart. On May 9th, Cardsmart's eight Rhode Island stores will have drop-off points for people who cannot conveniently go to the May 10 central drop off at the National Guard Armory in Cranston to donate items for some 2,000 care packages to be sent to Rhode Islanders serving abroad. The American Legion will assist Cardsmart stores in receiving the donations on May 9th and will transport them to the Armory on May 10th.

Fogarty, in presenting Certificates of Appreciation to Cardsmart and Paramount, said, "I want to thank Cardsmart and Paramount Cards of Pawtucket and the American Legion for providing these additional drop-off locations. We've had a tremendous response from Rhode Islanders all over the state in support of 'Operation Support Our Troops - RI' and this will enable us to make it more convenient for those who wish to help our soldiers during this difficult time. This is a generous offer by a hometown Pawtucket company wishing to help their fellow Rhode Islanders." Petter Etholm, President of Cardsmart Retail Corporation, said, "Through our 'Cardsmart Cares' program we are honoring members of the armed forces and all of their families as well." Hamilton Davison, President of Paramount, said, "Our soldiers are sacrificing to defend freedom and fight terrorism and we commend Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty for helping them in this important way." Paul Therrien, State Commander of the Rhode Island American Legion, said, "This is a wonderful way for Americans to show support for the brave men and women who put themselves on the front line of freedom." Fred Goulart, State Adjutant of the American Legion, added, "Our members will be at the Cardsmart stores to help Rhode Islanders show their support for our troops through the Lieutenant Governor's program." Cardsmart plans to place ads to call public attention to the program and is creating special donation stations. Paramount Cards will also donate "Spirit Of Freedom" cards so Rhode Island soldiers can more easily send notes home to family and friends. The elegant and patriotic cards each display American flags with themes of "A Nation Built On Liberty," "God Bless America," and "United Forever We'll Stand." Among products in original sealed packages that are needed by soldiers are: soft packs of baby wipes, trial-size shampoo and conditioner, batteries, cool strips, feminine products, shaving cream and razors, hand sanitizers, white tube socks, new underwear and battery-operated keyboard dusters. For a full list of needed items visit Lt. Governor Fogarty's website: www.ltgov.state.ri.us.

The Cardsmart stores in Rhode Island are located in: Cardsmart, 1400 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI.

Cardsmart, Apple Valley Mall, 445 Putnam, Greenville, RI.

Cardsmart, 39 Smithfield Road, North Providence, RI Cardsmart, 11 Commerce Way, Johnston, RI Cardsmart, Boulevard Plaza, 325 Armistice, Pawtucket, RI Cardsmart, 1245 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI Cardsmart, Rhode Island Mall, Warwick, RI Cardsmart, 1500 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI Known for generosity and patriotism, The American Legion has 58 chapters in Rhode Island and its membership is active in a variety of local, state and national civic and social activities.

Cardsmart, through its "Cardsmart Cares" Program recognizes the importance of being a contributing member of the communities it serves. Among other activities, Cardsmart distributed free American Flag window posters to anyone requesting them in honor of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and again to commemorate the first anniversary of the events that changed the lives of all Americans.

Paramount Cards, headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, and established in 1906, is America's oldest and third largest greeting card company. Through its Premier Greetings division it is a value leader in card, party, drugstore and specialty stores. For more, visit www.paramountcards.com. Cardsmart, also headquartered in Pawtucket, is a national chain of franchised and company-owned stores that offer consumers everyday half-price sales off stated card and select gift prices in beautiful stores. Featuring a full-line of beautifully designed greeting cards by Paramount Cards Inc., Cardsmart has a value-oriented strategy that has developed an expanding base of loyal and appreciative consumers. More information about Cardsmart is available at its website, www.cardsmart.com. For More Information: Contact: Frank Feely, Vice President, Franchise Development Cardsmart Retail Corporation 400 Pine Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone 800-343-2239 ext. 2250 or Brian Dobson Dobson Communications 203-894-9240 [email protected]

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